R&D Manager

Rise Baking Company, LLC•Provo, UT

20h

About The Position

Administer and perform research and development functions for Rise Baking Company. Serve as the divisional in-house expert on ingredient functionality, formulation, and project management while working closely with Operations, Procurement, and Quality Assurance teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering or similar technical field specializing in Buttercremes, Specialty Icings, Glazes, Crème based/Fruit Based Fillings and Whipped Toppings
4-5+ years in R&D product development, food and/or beverage industry
Experience facilitating all stages of the product development life cycle
Understanding of manufacturing equipment, their processes, and capabilities
Knowledge of product formulations and modification techniques
Proficient computer skills including MS Office programs: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Ability to organize and supervise a diverse work force
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to collaborate with all levels and functional areas of the Company
Detail oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize, show flexibility, and multi-task to execute simultaneous projects and activities to meet objectives and deadlines
Ability to thrive in a fast-moving and constantly evolving high growth environment

Responsibilities

Deliver projects successfully with agreed upon metrics including cost, aesthetics, technical feasibility, commercial feasibility, and consumer acceptance
Provide technical development scope for all projects
Optimize formulas, processes, and ingredients for operational effectiveness, cost avoidance, and cost management
Troubleshoot and resolve project challenges as they arise
Manage direction and priority of all sample requests
Support new item setups including plant tests and pilot runs, ensuring the migration of products from one facility to another occurs with rigor and high quality
Assign tasks to Technician(s) and Technologist(s) and oversee the development and testing process
Oversee and participate in sensory and shelf life evaluations, including organoleptic assessments
Review, approve, and manage product specifications; collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure food safety and HACCP program requirements are met; ensure technical database is updated accordingly
Represent R&D in key cross-functional meetings and collaborate with team members in various departments, including Marketing, Finance, Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Co-Manufacturing, etc.
Interact directly with potential and existing customers for new products
Mentor, guide, and coach direct reports to expand their capabilities and performance
Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of products manufactured in the facility
Perform other job-related duties as assigned